Polypharmacy (PP) is an important risk factor for drug toxicity, delirium, falls, hospitalizations and death. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often have comorbid conditions and have PP. Treat to target strategy (T2T) implies a drug escalation and rheumatologists may not apply it in patients with PP.Our objective was to analyze if PP affects T2T in a real-world scenario.Observational, retrospective cohort study. Patients with a new RA diagnosis (ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria) after 2010, over 18 years old, belonging to a Health Management Organization (HMO) from a university tertiary hospital, with a minimum follow-up period of 2 years, were included. PP was defined as consumption greater than or equal to 5 medications at the time of RA diagnosis, regardless of the medication used for RA, administered for a minimum period of 6 months. T2T strategy was defined as accomplished if an escalation in treatment was done when the patient had moderate or high disease activity at medical visit (by DAS28 and/or CDAI), without a significant improvement with respect to the previous visit. Prevalence of PP at RA diagnosis was calculated and RA patients were divided in those with PP at RA diagnosis time and those without. The first 2 years of disease were analyzed and compare between both groups: clinical and demographic characteristics, percentage of visits where T2T was applied, treatments received during that period. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed in order to identify factors associated with no T2T compliance.147 patients with RA were included, 86% women, with an average age at diagnosis of 60 years (SD: 15.8). The prevalence of PP at RA diagnosis was 12% (17 patients). Table 1 shows the comparison between patients with and without PP. Patients with PP showed a greater frequency of erosions at baseline and after 2 years of disease, a greater use of corticosteroids at 2 years, higher percentage of hospitalizations and a higher mortality. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, no compliance of the T2T strategy was only associated with the consumption of corticosteroids at 2 years (OR: 0.36, CI95%: 0.15-0.85; p=0.019) and no association was found with PP at the beginning of the disease.Table 1.Demographic and clinical characteristics in patients with and without polypharmacy.)Patients without Polypharmacy(n= 127)Patients with Polypharmacy(n= 17)PMale sex, n (%)18 (13.8)3 (17.6)0.6Mean age at diagnosis (SD)58.5 (15.6)70.6 (12.2)0.9Positive rheumatoid factor, n (%)87 (66.9)12 (70.5)0.7Positive anti CCP, n (%)109 (85.8)13 (81.2)0.6Erosions at baseline, n (%)25 (19.2)7 (41.1)0.03Active smoker, n (%)28 (21.5)3 (17.6)0.2Past smoker, n (%)23 (17.6)7 (35.2)Charlson score, median (IQR)3 (1-4)4 (4-5)<0.0001Polypharmacy at 2 years, n (%)17 (13.0)46.8 (88.2)<0.0001Rheumatological consultations in 2 years, mean (DE), (IC 95%)8.6 (3.3)(8.0-9.2)8.8 (3.1)(7.2-10.5)0.6Corticosteroid therapy at 2 years, n (%)29 (22.3)8 (47.0)0.02cDMARDs therapy at 2 years, n (%)114 (87.6)13 (76.4)0.2Biologic therapy at 2 years, n (%)13 (10)4 (23.5)0.1Erosions at 2 years, n (%)29 (22.3)9 (52.9)0.007No T2T compliance, n (%)65 (50)5 (29.4)0.1Hospitalizations, n (%)12 (9.2)7 (41.1)<0.0001Mortality, n (%)2 (1.5)2 (11.7)0.01The prevalence of PP in our patients with a new RA diagnosis was 12% and was associated with more baseline erosions, a higher consumption of steroids, and a higher frequency of hospitalizations and mortality during the first 2 years of the disease. No relationship between PP and adherence to the T2T strategy was demonstrated. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, no compliance with the T2T strategy was only associated to the consumption of corticosteroids at 2 years, may be reflecting a poorer disease control.JOHN FREDY JARAMILLO GALLEGO: None declared, Javier Rosa: None declared, Marina Scolnik: None declared, Mayra Alejandra Tobar Jaramillo: None declared, LEANDRO FERREYRA: None declared, Enrique Soriano Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Sandoz, Consultant of: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Sandoz, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amber, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Roche


PURPOSE: A saddle height controlling device of a bicycle is provided to improve the safety and the convenience for a passenger by controlling the height of a saddle of a bicycle according to the running condition during the driving of the bicycle. CONSTITUTION: A saddle height controlling device of a bicycle comprises the following: a saddle ascending and descending unit(200) controlling the height of a saddle(23) by moving the saddle upward and downward; and a control unit(300) controlling the saddle ascending and descending operation. The saddle ascending and descending unit comprises the following: a motor member generating the torque; an elevating body member(17) connected to the saddle; an operation member moving the elevating body member; and a torque transfer member transferring the torque of the motor member to the operation member. The operation member includes a screw combined to the elevating body member.


The effects of different oral contraceptive combined preparations (Serial, Ovanon, Delpregnin, Lyndiol 2.5, Ovulen mite, Primovlar, Gentrol, and Anovlar) on vaginal cytology during different phases of the menstrual cycle were studied. The karyopyknotic index was determined by phase contrast in 1301 patients and in 2213 controls. The results revealed great differences in estrogen activity and individual modes of action of progestin based on the cyclical pattern. It was established that vaginal cytology is an applicable and convenient method of comparing biological and especially estrogenic activities of different OCs as well as the reciprocal effect of different progestational steroids, and it is recommended that this method should be used in testing new preparations.


Medicinal plants, since times immemorial, have been used in virtually all cultures as a source of medicine, hence a survey of some medicinal plants and their uses was carried out in seven districts of Ughelli – South local government area in Delta state, Nigeria, from the month of March 2011 to July 2011. Questionnaires were administered and useful information about eighteen common medicinal plants were extracted from the inhabitants. The information obtained includes common names, botanical names, family names, plant part used for medicine, preparation and use of individual medicinal plants. The major category of persons involved in the use of medicinal plants was also identified from the biodata frequency of the respondents to the questionnaire and they include the aged, married, unemployed men and women with secondary education or no education at all.


The paper aimed at the problem of Ningxia Yuhua Paper Mill 1#steam boiler whose soot temperature and air factor did not reach the standard. First of all, the action of the air preheater in saving energy was related,and then the problem was depicted which came from the air preheater in the industry operating boiler,and the problem of Yuhua Paper Mill steam boiler soot temperature and oxygen content overtops was also analysed. The research showed that the factors such as lower temperature of input air, burning difficulty, jammed tubes, unfree output gas, oxygen in air used uncompletly and higher oxygen content etc were the interrelated factors;and the core crux rested with the air preheater failure free operation. In saving energy technique scheme, the idea to soot air outside the tube and the air inside the tube of preheater and the selection against eroding tubes to design preheater was adopted;heating power calculation made known that the porcelain enamel tube air preheater coefficient of heat transfer was smaller than the carbon steel's,and the heat transfer area was a little great;the economic target analysis made known that the technological transformation input might recover the capital in those days, and the technique analysis showed that scheme might resolve the problem of higher soot temperature and air factor, and have the specified advantages of lower maintenance and operation cost, longer endurance, and higher boiler effectiveness.


Nanowires functionalized by special molecules can be used to as the candidates for biological application in many areas. In this paper, nickel nanowires, which were fabricated by electrochemical deposition and functionalized by biotinylated peptide, were applied to constructing the hybrid device powered by F1-ATPaSe motors


Thank you for downloading dreams images and fantasy a semantic differential casebook. Maybe you have knowledge that, people have look numerous times for their favorite books like this dreams images and fantasy a semantic differential casebook, but end up in malicious downloads. Rather than reading a good book with a cup of coffee in the afternoon, instead they cope with some infectious bugs inside their computer.


The rapid development of DNA nanotechnology has enabled a precise organization of nanoscale matter with ultimate structural programmability. In particular, DNA-bonded discrete nanoparticle assemblies ("nanomolecules") have the potential to allow sophisticated functional realizations of inorganic nanomaterials via molecule-like structural controls. Such an ambitious goal may gradually become achievable, encouraged by recent advancements in related fields. Two key issues must first be solved in order to realize such a goal: valency control over DNA bonding and strong coupling among DNA-bonded functional units. The former allows a directional bonding of a nanoparticle to a defined number of partners, and the latter confers a functional synergy among self-assembled materials to meet specific applications. This review introduces recent methodological breakthroughs to address the above issues, and discusses the short- and long-term bottlenecks in the pursuit of nanoparticle "molecules" with highly engineered structures and functions.


Considerable increases in mental health disorders since coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged demonstrate the need for specific screening tools to detect


In this chapter we reveal three counter-narratives emerging from interviews with 11 parents of eight twice-exceptional children about their children's diagnoses, contested medical and educational support, and the prevalence of unconventional educational journeys in their lifeworlds. The parental counter-narratives privilege the lived experiences of the parents and their children, demonstrating that stigma and marginalization as dominant narratives do not constitute the entirety of the complexity of lived experiences for these children and their parents. The parental counter-narratives are: 1) Diagnosis and identification counter-narrative; 2) Resiliency counter-narrative; and, 3) Parental agency counter-narrative. These demonstrate that societies continue, in many respects, to show limited understandings of both giftedness and disability, and even greater misunderstanding about the enigmatic combination of these two particularities in a child. The current study contributes to the field by presenting unique perspectives in the form of counter-narratives of parental agency, demonstrating contested and altered roles and identities assigned to them and their children by societies through the continued medicalization of disability and norming of giftedness prevalent in their encountering of dominant narratives in educative practices.


The issue of learning causes the reform in teaching, study and revolutional change on the outlook of teacher.This change is consistent with teaching,study and teacher role advocated by new curriculum implementation in China.Here,the teacher roles include to construct learning entity,question environment,to activate former knowledge,to cause respective,and to put forward the qualification of a teacher on the his profession and guidance.


A thesis submitted to the University of Luton, Luton Business School, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy


This article deals with the term al-qadr in the Qur'an. The things to discuss in this article are the essence of al-qadr , its process and its purpose. In discussing this term, the analytical-thematic method will be used to search the meanings of the term al-qadr in the Qur'an. Based on the result of analysis, it was found that al-qadr was the sunnat Allah itself which had been decided by God.  Then, it was sunnat Allâh called natural law, or causality. The process of al-qadr began with the creation of the universe then the Creator (God) decided the natural law ( sunnat Allâh ) over it. One of the purposes of al-qadr is to  keep the order of His creation and the equilibrium among creatures in the universe. Kata Kunci: al-qadr, Alquran, sunnatullah, hukum alam


Aimed at real-time router performance evaluation, a new dynamic metric system is defined together with several new metrics. The corresponding method and architecture are also introduced. Compared with traditional static metrics, the new metrics work better in denoting router's performance and service capability in various traffic payload environments.The related measurement method architecture can be deployed in backbone network at a cost-effective way and can be used to evaluate the core router's whole performance status in a limited measurement scale.


Diagnosing osteochondrosis is carried out by determining the geometrical parameters of the vertebrae and their relative position. An algorithm based on the use of the Mask R-CNN convolutional neural network is proposed to localize the vertebrae on x-ray images of the lumbar spine and determine their geometric parameters.


Supply voltage is one of the dominant factors that determine the timing performance and power consumption of VLSI chips. For digital systems with a single supply voltage, some logic devices typically operate faster or more frequently than necessary, consuming extra power. This motivates the need for multiple-voltage design for an aggressive power optimization as slow operation allows a reduced voltage level. While the past few years have seen some successful examples from behavioral- and logic-level synthesis, physical designers are facing the challenges under such a new design environment. This talk discusses the physical aspects of multiple-voltage design, including the latest approaches to emerging problems such as voltage interface, clock distribution, power/ground network, and place-and-route (for more info, visit the web site at: http://www.vlsi.uwindsor.ca/~cchen). The goal is to enable designers to deal with key issues in implementation of multiple-voltage chips.
 We first introduce the concept of hierarchy with multiple voltages which can be applied to various design levels. In general, the voltages could be either dynamically or statically variable. The dynamic-voltage scheme requires high-efficiency DC-DC converters and a voltage scheduling mechanism which treats the voltage as a function of workload and timing constraints. The static-voltage strategy calls for considerations about the number of different voltages and the selection of their values. We discuss these issues with emphasis on dual-voltage solutions which are a typical case.
 We then study the interface between different voltages on a same chip. At high levels of abstraction, the chip needs to be partitioned into several regions so that each individual region uses the same supply voltage. This can be done with careful floorplanning and power/ground network design. At low levels of abstraction, the interface design involves investigating specific layout structures. Particularly, we discuss level converters which are inserted between different voltages to prevent the static current. Techniques to minimize the effect of level converters are also explored.
 Since clock distribution network is a power-hungry component on today's chips, applying multiple voltages to it can save significant power. The basic idea is to use a lower voltage swing through the clock tree, and the clock signal can be converted to a higher voltage at the sinks. Buffers in the clock tree and/or flip-flops at the sinks can be combined with level converters to reduce their delay and power overheads.
 We also look at the power/ground network which is another concern with multiple on-chip voltages. Designers can simply distribute different power lines to everywhere by using standard cells with more than one power rails. Alternatively, different power supplies can be separately delivered to individual regions, depending upon the layout structures. We will compare these approaches, and analyze their effect on place-and-route. In addition, a new "fabric" layout for P/G and signal nets will be reviewed towards tackling the cross-coupling and signal integrity which are exacerbated for signal nets with different voltages.
 Multiple-voltage brings additional physical constraints into both placement and routing, resulting in a more difficult layout design for signal nets. To improve routing, new placer and router should be able to assign highly-connected logic devices to the same voltage, and to locate signals with same voltage in the neighboring areas. Recent methodology from the literature will be described. Furthermore, shielding techniques can be used locally to minimize the capacitive crosstalk between signal nets.
 Finally, we will present the future trends for multiple-voltage design, together with tool aspects from an industrial perspective.


Many facts concerning acute pancreatic necrosis and the accompanying pathophysiologic changes have been well known for years. The yellow-white areas of "fat necrosis" in and around the pancreas were so named by Balser.1Langerhans2described the action of lipase in splitting neutral fat into fatty acid and glycerin, the latter being absorbed and the fatty acid deposited as needle-like crystals, which combine with calcium to form soaps. Frugoni and Stradiotti3stated that 85 per cent of the soaps so formed may be insoluble. Probably in no other disease is there such sudden demand for calcium, the amount needed depending on the extent of fat necrosis and the subsequent liberation of fatty acids. We have been unble to find records of further investigations of the role of calcium in this disease, either as to the amount combined with the fatty acids in situ or as to the effect


The continuous increase of consumer interest in quality, convenience and food quality has encouraged further research into edible films and coatings from natural polymers, such as polysaccharides. Ecoefficient products are the new generation of biobased products prepared with sustainable materials, that agree with ecological and economic requirements including environmentally acceptable disposal of post-user waste. The numerous potential applications of natural polymers such as polysaccharides stimulated the study with edible films based on cassava starch. Blends of glycerol (GLY) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as plasticizers, and glutaraldehyde (GLU) as crosslinking agent were prepared in order to determine the mechanical properties and water vapor transmission of those films. A response surface methodology was applied on the results to identify the blend with the best mechanical properties and lowest water vapor transmission. The crosslinking effect of glutaraldehyde in the films can be observed. The plasticizing action of polyethylene glycol was restrained by more than 0.5 g of glutataraldehyde. The use of glycerol was less evident for this property even after 284 h of contact time with water vapor. q 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.


Brood-parasitic finches Vidua spp. mimic songs of their foster species, with most Vidua species both mimicking songs and parasitizing nests of a single estrildid finch species. We describe a behavioural radiation in the Cameroon Indigobird Vidua camerunensis. Local populations are polymorphic in behaviour, each male mimicking songs of a single species, with certain males mimicking songs of one species and other males mimicking songs of another host species. The species most often mimicked in song are Black-bellied Firefinch Lagonosticta rara and African Firefinch L. rubricata; other species mimicked in song are Brown Twinspot Clytospiza monteiri and Dybowski's Twinspot Euschistospiza dybowskii. Indigobirds in the different mimicry song populations do not differ morphologically in plumage colour or size. The lack of morphological differences between male indigobirds with different mimicry songs is consistent with a recent behavioural radiation through host shifts, perhaps facilitated by environmental change associated with prehistoric cultivation of grain. The mimicry song populations of indigobirds, behaviourally imprinted upon different host species, support the idea of a process of speciation driven by a shift to new host species. The African brood-parasitic finches Vidua spp. mimic the songs of their host species, the estrildid finches. Most Vidua species are host specific in their behaviour, mimicking songs and parasitizing a single estrildid species, with most parasite‐host associations known only through these mimicry songs (Nicolai 1964, Payne 1982, 1998). We report a behavioural radiation in one species, Cameroon Indigobird Vidua camerunensis, in which males in local populations mimic songs of more than one estrildid species. We refer to a set of males with one kind of mimicry song as a 'mimicry song population', with the implication


We introduce usage of a reduction property of penalty-based formulation of pseudo-Boolean polynomials as a mechanism for invariant dimensionality reduction in cluster analysis processes. In our experiments, we show that multidimensional data, like 4-dimensional Iris Flower dataset can be reduced to 2-dimensional space while the 30-dimensional Wisconsin Diagnostic Breast Cancer (WDBC) dataset can be reduced to 3-dimensional space, and by searching lines or planes that lie between reduced samples we can extract clusters in a linear and unbiased manner with competitive accuracies, reproducibility and clear interpretation.


An hypothesis is presented to provide an alternative explanation to the 'Cessation of Metabolism' hypothesis often invoked in lightning in'ury. 'Cessation of Metabolism' has been some lightning injured patients. Re-evaluation of ECGs from lightnin injured patients which 'Cessation of Metabolism' also reveals little evidence to justify the hypothesis. The finding of QT prolongation coupled with the hyperadrenergic state said to exist in lightning injury, may promote a state of episodic induction of and recovery from Torsade de Pointes Ventricular Tachycardia (VT). Histological examination of the myocardium supports the new hypothesis. This is the first concerted description of lightning injury as one of the general causes of QT prolongation. It appears to occur frequently after lightning injury, is a prerequisite of and predisposes to episodes of Torsade de Pointes VT. These electrocardiographic abnormalities' explain 'Cessation of Metabolism' and recognition may change management and lead to greater survival. proposed to explain the observation of good recovery a t' ter a prolonged period in cardiac arrest in demonstrates a high incidence of QT prolongation. Re-examination of t f e cases used to support


OBJECTIVES 1. Develop and test tagging protocols for blue catfish. 2. Develop and test protocols for setting up and calibrating stationary receivers. 3. Summarize tagging and tracking protocols for use in other systems with other species. 4. Determine where tagged blue catfish spend their time within Milford reservoir. 5. Determine when, size distribution, and how many blue catfish exit Milford reservoir. 6. Quantify potential drivers of distribution


Rosmarinus officinalis is a common household aromatic plant widely used in cosmetic, food and folk medicine. The aim of this study was evaluated rosmarinus total extract (RTE) protective effect on DNA damage induced by cyclophosphamide (CP) and evidence the lack of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of RTE in peripheral blood erythrocytes of Balb-C mice using the micronucleus assay. To evaluate the DNA protective effect, the dose of 100mg/kg of RTE was used and given orally. Following was the admiration of CP (50mg/kg). To evaluated the lack genotoxic or cytotoxic, three doses (30, 100 and 300mg/kg) of RTE were administered orally. A drop of blood was obtained from the tip of the tail of each mouse 24h for six days. We found no increase of micronucleated erythrocytes (MNE) or micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE). Nor did polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) decline in mice treated with one of the three different doses of RTE. RTE extracts were capable of diminished DNA damage caused by CP thus reducing MNE and MNPCE frequencies. The lack of genotoxic and cytotoxic effect of the RTE and reduces the genotoxicity caused by CP, suggest the potential therapeutic usefulness of this plant extract.


Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements and theoretical analysis are combined to construct the physical picture of formation of SiO2 fractal aggregates in a methane/hexamethyldisiloxane/air atmospheric pressure flame. The formation of SiO2 fractal aggregates is described as a multistage process. The first stage is combustion of fuel in a narrow flame front region with formation of main combustion products including SiO2 molecules. Further downstream SiO2 molecules join in liquid nanoclusters. After cooling combustion products due to heat losses to surroundings, the nanoclusters become solid in a cold flame region and join in fractal aggregates there. Along with growth of fractal aggregates, the restructuring process proceeds in a cold flame region that leads to the decrease of the fractal dimension of fractal aggregates. The measured parameters of fractal aggregates are in accord with those followed from theoretical models.


The paper advocates for the strengthening of a bottom-up strategy instead of top-down through decentralization of sufficient powers, functions and resources in favour of rural majority at the grassroot and by doing so, it will foster a balanced development between the centre and the subordinate local administrative units. Moreover, democratic governance must be allowed to reign supreme not only to attain the national goals of 2020 but also enable Nigeria to assume her rightful position in the world.  One concludes that if the local communities are given the opportunities to get involved in the decision-making process that often affect their condition of living, engage in productive ventures, self-help communal projects, and harnessing the creative potentials, talents, skills combined with physical and human resources, it would go a long way to reduce not only the over-dependence of the people on the government to provide everything they need but also help to improve socio-economic well-being in the backward, under-privileged and disadvantaged rural areas.


The injection molding of an isotactic polypropylene was computer-simulated with both quiescent and shear-induced crystallization taken into account. A one-dimensional finite difference model was used to simulate the filling, packing, and cooling stages of the injection-molding cycle. The Spencer-Gilmore equation was used to relate the density variations to the pressure and temperature traces in the packing simulation. The quiescent crystallization kinetics was modeled by the differential form of the Nakamura equation. The theory developed by Janeschitz-Kriegl and co-workers was used to model the shear-induced crystallization kinetics. The pressure traces during the filling and packing stages of the molding cycle, the thickness of the shear-induced crystallization layer, and the crystallinity profile throughout the thickness of the part were measured and compared with predicted values. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.


So-called Random number generators on computers are deterministic functions producing a sequence of numbers which should mimic a sample of i.i.d. U(0; 1) random variables. Two classes of tests are commonly applied to such generators. Firstly, the theoretical tests, which look at the intrinsic structure of the generator to derive be-havioral properties of the sequence of points, usually over the whole period. These theoretical tests are speciic to each class of generators and include the lattice and spectral tests, discrepancy bounds calculations, period length calculations, etc.. Secondly, the empirical goodness-of-t tests, which try nding statistical evidence against the null hypothesis: \the sequence is a sample from i.i.d. U(0; 1) random variables". In this paper, we survey the main techniques from both classes, discuss their philosophy, and look at some of the most recent developments in that area.


The quantitative agricultural planning procedures used in Mexico as part of a national policy reformulation process are described. The procedures involve extensive use of the model Chac. The results include: 1) simulations of alternative paths for the sector in terms of macrovariables (output, prices, and employment); 2) estimates of short-run and long-run sectoral elasticities of supply; 3) alternative measurements of elasticities of capital-labor substitution for the sector; 4) a sectoral income distribution; 5) an estimate of seasonal employment patterns; and 6) estimates of parameters of derived demands for key inputs. For the capital-labor substitution estimates, it was possible to isolate the substitution effects of medium-term capital only (agricultural machinery). This kind of capital is almost always a substitute for labor, whereas land, irrigation works,and other forms of long-term capital are normally complements to the use of labor. Therefore, by separating out machinery formeasurement, the measured elasticities of substitution were significantly higher than the values obtained in other studies where all forms of capital are aggregated. Economic data are included. 10 references.


After the U.S. Supreme Court restricted the use of race in assigning students to schools, there was a surge in advocacy of school integration based on student socioeconomic status (SES). Benefits of socioeconomic integration have been supported by various studies finding significant effects of school SES on achievement after controlling for individual student SES. This article investigates school SES effects using statewide longitudinal achievement data from several U.S. states. School SES effects nearly vanish after controlling for a student's prior achievement or, alternatively, controlling for stable differences among students using fixed effects models. The article concludes that large school SES effects often found in cross-sectional studies are artifacts of aggregation and are not a sound basis for SES-based school integration policies.


Objectives: To investigate whether cystatin C, a marker of kidney function, is associated with 24 h mean systolic BP (24hSBP), 24 h mean diastolic BP (24 h DBP), 24 h mean pulse pressure (24 h PP) and pulse pressure index (PPI) obtained from ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Methods: A total of 270 patients with essential hypertension without overt proteinuria were enrolled. A 24 h ABPM was performed,serum levels of cystatin C were measured, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated. Subjects were stratified into two categories: PPI above and below the median (0.437). Partial correlation and multiple stepwise regression analyses were performed to confirm determine the relationship between ABPM' parameters and cystatin C. Results: A total of 270 patients with essential hypertension without overt proteinuria were enrolled. A 24 h ABPM was performed,serum levels of cystatin C were measured, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated. Subjects were stratified into two categories: PPI above and below the median (0.437). Partial correlation and multiple stepwise regression analyses were performed to confirm determine the relationship between ABPM' parameters and cystatin C. Conclusion: The 24hSBP, 24hPP, PPI had an independent relationship with cystatin C, and no significant correlation was observed 24hDBP and cystatin C.


: Titanium alloy weldments in hydrogen environment are facing with the risk of hydrogen embrittlement, and the fracture toughness is very important for the damage tolerance design of titanium alloy. The effects of hydrogen content on fracture toughness, fracture morphology and fracture mode of titanium alloy welded joints were investigated. Micro-mechanisms of fracture toughness evolution induced by solid solution hydrogen and the hydride for welded joints were revealed. Fracture toughness K Q values of the hydrogenated 0-0.21wt.% CT specimens were decreased from 39.6 MPa · m 1/2 to 22.1 MPa · m 1/2 , the fracture morphology of expansion zone was changed from a large number of dimples + a small amount of local brittle fracture to brittle intergranular fracture, and fracture toughness loss and brittle fracture induced by hydrogen for welded joints were increased. matrix metal, which caused high strain due to stress concentration, the hydride itself broke, and the microcracks were incubated inside the hydride. The accelerated cracking of welded joints was caused by solid solution hydrogen and the hydride at once.


Introduction Swine abortion associated with a mycobacterial infection is an uncommon finding (Ellsworth et al.). Since intradermal testing is timeconsuming and therefore cost-intensive, alternative test-systems are needed to get an economically justifiable overview of the situation in an affected sow herd. In March 2009, three neonatal porcine fetuses were submitted for diagnostic investigations. The sow was necropsied one month later.


The additions we've made with the purpose of incorporating a number of items that are not classified as research or review, but with enough scientific importance, to empower them with the space they occupy.


Polychelates of Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) with the bis salen-type ligand derived from 4,4′-bis[(salicylaldehyde-5)azo]biphenyl and 1,4-diaminobutane have been synthesized. All the polychelates have been characterized by elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility measurements, IR, electronic spectra and thermogravimetric studies. All the complexes isolated in solid state are dark coloured and insoluble in water and common organic solvents. The ligand behaves as a bis-bidentate molecule coordinating through the phenolic oxygen and azomethine nitrogen atoms. The thermal decomposition of these metal complexes was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and data have been analyzed for kinetic parameters using Broido equation. The solid-state electrical conductivity of the ligand and its polychelates in the form of compressed pellet was studied in the temperature range from 313 to 413 K. All the polychelates were found to show semiconducting nature. The Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) polychelates have been assessed for the catalytic epoxidation of styrene.


Control motor is used to improve missile maneuverability. The design parameter of solid rocket motor tester for Attitude Control is ascertained, and the diagrams of star grain motor and the tube is presented. And also, the test bed and test program are depicted here. The mass of ignition charge, opening pressure of closure and grain form affect climb stage, balance stage, and drag stage of internal ballistic curve respectively. Based on the experimentation phenomena, seal is failure when the pressure over 42 MPa and the thrust curve takes on oscillator when assembly rigidity is insufficiency.


Short abstract: One of the main research fields in past years concerns the modeling of heterogeneous materials. For these materials, the use of the classical local continuum concept does not seem to be adequate. The classical local continuum concept leads to constitutive models falling within the category of simple nonpolar materials (Noll 1972). For these materials, the stress at a given point uniquely depends on the current values, and possibly also the previous history, of deformation and temperature at that point only (Bažant and Jirasek 2002). Beginning with Krumhansl (1965), Rogula (1965), Eringen (1966), Kunin (1966), and Kroner (1968), the idea was promulgated that heterogeneous materials should properly be modeled by some type of nonlocal continuum. Some preliminary ideas on nonlocal elasticity can be traced back to the late 19 century (Duhem 1893). Nonlocal continua are continua in which the stress at a certain point is not a function of the strain at the same point, but a function of the strain distribution over a certain representative volume of the material centered at that point (Bažant and Chang 1984). Thus, nonlocality is tantamount to an abandonment of the principle of the local action of classical continuum mechanics (Bažant and Jirasek 2002). Local constitutive relations between stress and strain tensors are not adequate for describing the mechanical behavior of solids in the classical differential formulation, since no material is an ideal continuum, decomposable into a set of infinitesimal material volumes, each of which can be described independently. All materials, natural and man-made, are characterized by microstructural details whose size ranges over many order of magnitude (Bažant and Jirasek 2002). In constructing a material model, one must select a certain resolution level below which the microstructural details are not explicitly visible. Instead of refining the explicit resolution level, it is often more effective to use various forms of generalized continuum formulation, dealing with material that are nonsimple or polar, or both. A list of enriched continuum models is provided in Bažant and Jirasek (2002). Among these, a great variety of nonlocal models was developed. The aim of the present study is to show that nonlocal constitutive relations between stress and strain tensors are not strictly needed to construct a material model. They are required only if a differential formulation is used for modeling nonlocality, since differential operators are local. The physical well-posedness of nonlocality is discussed with regard to the differential and discrete formulations. Nonlocality was found to be a concept not attaining to the description of the material, but of the phenomenon. This made it possible to discuss the opportunity of using nonlocality in order to give respectability to strain-softening damage models. The mathematical and physical well-posedness and the existence of strain-softening are also discussed. When using the differential formulation, a length scale must be introduced into the material description of a strain-softening modeling. This need has been here justified on the basis of the geometrical information which has been lost in performing the limit process. It was shown how, avoiding the limit process, a length scale is intrinsically taken into account into a discrete formulation. Thus, the discrete formulation turns out to be more appealing than the differential formulation with nonlocal approach, from the physical point of view.


Background: Synthesize of O-(4-trifluoromethylbenzoyl)-5-methylsalicylic acid as an salicylic acid derivate. The compound is expected to have higher analgesic activity that compare with aspirin.
Objective: Produce O-(4-trifluoromethylbenzoyl)-5-methylsalicylic by reacting of 5-methylsalicylic acid and 4-trifluoromethylbenzoyl acid using acyl halide esterification method and this analgesic activity compare with aspirin in mice.
Method: The synthesis uses esterification method of acyl halide, while the analgesic activity test uses stretching method (Writhing test).
Result: The result obtained from synthesis is yellow crystalline, odorless with percentage 8,31%, and has melting point 156-158oC. TLC test results obtained 1 stain using 3 different eluents : n-Hexane : Ethyl Acetate (6:4), Chloroform : Methanol (7:3), Ethyl acetate : Chloroform (7:3). Identification of compound structure with the UV Spectrophotometer showed the wavelengths 205 nm, 228 nm, and 278 nm. IR spectrophotometer showed the wave number 3461,81cm-1 (-OH); 2926,81 cm-1(CH3); 1737,71 cm-1 dan 1677,68 cm-1 (C=O); 1613,79 cm-1 (C=C); 1272,72 cm-1 (COOC). The H-NMR specthrometer showed 11 H atoms. The percentage of pain inhibition for dose 25 mg/kgBB = 38,16 %, 50mg/kgBB = 53,89 %, 100mg/kgBB = 66,80%. The O-(4-trifluoromethylbenzoyl)-5-methylsalicylic acid has ED50 of 43,34 mg/kgBB while Aspirin which is the salicylic acid derivate had ED50 of 135,67 mg/kgBB.
Conclusions: The O-(4-trifluoromethylbenzoyl)-5-methylsalicylic acid was synthesized and the analgesic activity higher than Aspirin.


The mechanical properties of silicon carbide deposited by chemical vapor deposition process onto a graphite substrate are studied using nanoindentation techniques. The silicon carbide coating was fabricated in a chemical vapor deposition process with different microstructures and thicknesses. A nanoindentation technique is preferred because it provides a reliable means to measure the mechanical properties with continuous load-displacement recording. Thus, a detailed nanoindentation study of silicon carbide coatings on graphite structures was conducted using a specialized specimen preparation technique. The mechanical properties of the modulus, hardness and toughness were characterized. Silicon carbide deposited at 1300℃ has the following values: E=316 GPa, H=29 GPa, and K c =9.8MPa m 1/2 ; additionally, silicon carbide deposited at 1350℃ shows E=283 GPa, H=23 GPa, and K c =6.1MPa m 1/2 . The mechanical properties of two grades of SiC coating with different microstructures and thicknesses are discussed.


A potyvirus isolated from white lupin (Lupinus albus) plants with severe mosaic symptoms was purified; compared with other selected potyviruses in terms of host range, serology, and coat protein peptide profiles; and found to be distinct. Accordingly, it has been assigned a new name, white lupin mosaic virus (WLMV). In reciprocal enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays with polyclonal antisera, WLMV behaved similarly to the Scott isolate of bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV) and was distinguishable from the PMV-1 isolate of pea mosaic virus and the Pratt isolate of clover yellow vein virus (CYVV) (...)


The invention discloses a compensation method for high-precision numerical-control milling for molded surfaces of blades, and belongs to the field of high-precision machining for molded surfaces of blades. The compensation method includes comparing actual machining numerical values of various points on molded surfaces at the edges of the blades to simulation numerical values; modifying coordinate values of various points on molded surfaces of the edges of a three-dimensional model on the basis of difference values of the thicknesses of the middles of the section sides of the blades so that difference values of the thicknesses of the edges of the blades are identical to difference values of the thicknesses of molded surfaces in the middles of the blades. The compensation method has the advantages that the compensation method is applied to numerical-control precision milling for the molded surfaces of the partial blades of certain machines and is excellent in effect; large-scale allowance-free numerical-control milling can be carried out on the molded surfaces of blade bodies when the compensation method is applied to machining the molded surfaces of the blades with the minimum profile tolerance of 0.06; the cost can be reduced by 5% and can be saved by 300 thousand yuan annually when the compensation method is applied to procedures for machining other grades of blades.


Mixed integer linear programming(MILP) model for daily optimal operation of hydropower station is established by describing the hydro unit input/output(I/O) characteristics with piecewise linear model and setting up unit constraints such as startup/shutdown and minimum-up/minimum-down time limits.The proposed model is solved by using CPLEX solver programmed with GAMS software.The Geheyan hydropower station is chosen for a case study to verify the model.The result shows that the proposed model can significantly improve the utilization of water resources under the conditions of considering water head change effects and unit startup/shutdown constraints.


The first example of a base-metal-catalyzed homogeneous hydrogenative coupling of nitriles and amines to selectively form secondary cross-imines is reported. The reaction is catalyzed under mild conditions by a well-defined (iPr-PNP)Fe(H)Br(CO) pincer pre-catalyst and catalytic tBuOK.


Many products such as electronic appliances are made of imitation metals, which are lighter in weight and lower in cost than real metals. However, imitation metals sometimes look and feel cheap. This study proposes that differences in sound symbolic words associated with imitation and real metals can be used in metal texture design to make imitation materials look and feel like real materials. Japanese is known to have a large number of sound symbolic words, or "onomatopoeia," for expressing textures. For example, onomatopoeia expressing a sense of smoothness often uses the consonant /s/ in the first syllable as in "sara-sara." We conducted psychological experiments where participants were asked to observe a pair of imitation and real materials without touching them and respond with onomatopoeic words that they felt were associated with them. Participants used significantly more onomatopoeic words for real materials than for imitation materials. Furthermore, we analyzed onomatopoeia obtained for both real metals and imitation metals using a system that quantifies the phonological information of onomatopoeia. The comparison of the onomatopoeia evoked by real metals and those evoked by imitation metals revealed differences in their texture feelings.


S ince 2003, a series of regulations have placed restrictions on resident physician work hours, limiting total work hours and continuous work hours in hospitals. More recently, studies and discussions have raised the issue of placing limits on elective surgery by surgeons following nights when they have been on call. The basis for these varieties of regulations is the assumption that work hour restrictions will decrease clinical errors related to physician fatigue. A number of studies have shown that regulation and limitation of resident work hours, however, have failed to produce any clear benefits to patient safety. Decreased resident clinical experience, however, as well as increased demands on attending physicians and ancillary staff, are consequences of resident work hour restrictions and these consequences may have careers of their own as complex manpower issues. Proposals for restricting elective surgery by surgeons coming off call nights suffer from lack of any clear problem to solve. Studies of procedures done after call nights by cardiothoracic surgeons, general surgeons, obstetricians-gynecologists, and trauma surgeons fail to show any increase in complications compared to procedures done when surgeons operate on days unburdened by a previous night's call. One commentary, using highly contrived interpretations of one of the abovementioned studies, sensationally declared an ''83% increase'' in complications done by a subset of surgeons who slept less than 6 hours while on call, but this startling claim evaporates with scrutiny. The original study noted that on call surgeons with less than 6 hours of ''sleep opportunity'' had a complication rate of 6.2%, whereas surgeons with 6 or more hours of ''sleep opportunity'' had a complication rate of 3.4%. The ''83% increase''seems to be based on a misleading manipulation of this data subset: 6.2j 3.4 = 2.8 3.4 100 = 82%. Neither of these groups, however, had complication rates significantly different than the 4.9% complication rate achieved by surgeons operating on days with no preceding night call. From available evidence, there seem to be grounds to reconsider the issue of resident work hour restrictions. Instead of simplistic, quantitative guidelines that are now being implemented, a more f lexible set of formulae should be considered, one that takes some account of educational priorities, care continuity, graduated responsibility, and collateral issues such as moonlighting, as well as patient safety and resident fatigue. Also, from available evidence, there seems to be no ground for general restriction on elective procedures done by surgeons after a night on call. The previously mentioned paragraph could serve as an evidence-based summary of these issues. The issues, however, have been subjected to another level of analysis exemplified by a recent essay by Arora and coauthors. These commentators proceed to a normative argument uncluttered by any data. They assign a categorical affirmative value to the term ''new professionalism.'' This term embraces ''the current system of medical training.'' This professionalism ''must fully adopt a team based care model in which patient ownership is not relegated to an individual, but shared among a group of team members.'' Regulated shifts will ''I(help) residents recognize their limits as humans, emphasizing the importance of physicians' health and alertness.'' Behavior deviating from this categorical affirmative (such as interns ''staying past shift limits'') is categorically excluded from affirmative valuation by assigning the term ''nostalgic professionalism'' to such behavior and developing the term as a pejorative, a ''depreciatory, contemptuous'' word. Nostalgic professionalism is defined as ''consistently placing a patient's or profession's needs above one's own personal needs.'' Although these characteristics were once (and occasionally may still be) laudable, ''at times these behaviors directly conf lict with the current system of medical training.'' Demonstrating the dynamics of pejoratives, the authors categorically link nostalgic professionalism to other ''depreciatory, contemptuous'' behavior, including risks of transmitting illness, generalized and situational lying, and indulgence in ''preconceived notionsIof what constitutes professional behavior.'' Can this sort of analysis be considered legitimate as a meaningful contribution to the debate of these issues? First of all, the analysis fails the definition of argument, that is, a ''statement of the pros and cons of a proposition.'' The normative assignments of good and bad to ''new professionalism'' and ''nostalgic professionalism,'' respectively, are nothing more than an exercise in labeling. EDITORIAL


The disclosure herein provides a bone metastasis-derived prostate cancer Xenograft model. The disclosure also pro vides methods for making a bone metastasis-derived prostate cancer Xenograft model. In alternative embodiments, the dis closure provides compositions and methods for testing whether a drug, compound, diet, therapy or treatment is effec tive or efficacious for preventing, ameliorating, slowing the progress of stopping or slowing the metastasis of, or for causing a full or partial remission of a cancer, or a prostate cancer, or a human prostate cancer. The disclosure provides compositions and methods whether a drug, compound, diet, therapy or treatment is effective or efficacious for modifying or effecting the structure or organization or vascularization of a tumor microenvironment; or effects the growth, Survival, phenotype or histology (tissue or organ structure or microen Vironments) of connective tissue, bone cells, osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts, bone marrow cells, fibroblasts or angiogenic cells.


In recent years there have been a variety of studies that focus on the Reformation in its broader cultural contexts and its subsequent impact on modern politics. Reformation culture expanded from a European context and shaped the modern world in a variety of ways. This early Protestant church initiated conflicts of beliefs, which spread to England, Scotland, Ireland and British Atlantic colonies. John Wolffe's latest essay collection, Protestant-Catholic Conflict from the Reformation to the 21 Century: the Dynamics of Religious Difference (2013), shows how the Reformation influenced the contemporary Christian world, from the late nineteenth century to the present, from Europe to the United States. This book explores the origin and reactivation of religious conflicts by relating historical and religious researches to contemporary concerns. Wolffe tries to present a new insight to the history of Protestant-Catholic conflict, beginning with a quotation from the First Minister of Northern Ireland, Ian Paisley in May 2007, who emphasizes the importance of understanding the history of conflicts in order to know the present and anticipate the future for Northern Ireland. Wolffe's book not only provides new perspectives, but suggests ways in which old history can be interpreted by new historical events. Jennifer Waldron's Reformations of the Body: Idolatry, Sacrifice, and Early Modern Theater, explores the uses of the body by Protestants. Waldron begins with the very center of the Protestant-Catholic religious conflict over images, of Protestant iconoclasm against the Catholic idolatry. The Protestant reformers, such as Andreas Karlstadt, Huldrych Zwingli and John Calvin insisted on the removal of religious images and prohibition of idolatry. In his Reformation and the Visual Arts, Sergiusz Michalski revisited this religious controversy, from the Byzantine images controversy through to the Eastern Orthodox churches of the reformation, Vol. 19 No. 1, May, 2014, 117–123


Fluidization characteristics such as the minimum fluidization velocity and the bed pressure drop are important for the design of an efficient fluidized bed. These characteristics can be measured experimentally, but also modelled by CFD simulations. The aim of this study was to use experimental data to validate drag models applied in the CFD software Barracuda. Most of the drag models available in the literature are validated against Geldart B or D particles and are not necessarily suitable for Geldart A particles, such as the zirconia particles used in the present study. However, by adjusting one of the constants in the Wen-Yu and Ergun drag models, it should be possible to apply these equations also for Geldart A particles. Data from an in-house built lab-scale fluidized bed unit were used in the study. Reducing the k1 value in the drag model from 180 to 47 gave a reasonable representation of the minimum fluidization velocity and the pressure drop over the bed.


Thesis presented by Mr. Plch is closely related to his experience as lead game AI designer in Warhorse Studios, where the results of his research were successfully applied. There are five main contributions present in this work: First, the author introduced co-called Stateful Behavior Trees – an extension of the "behavior trees" method and a language that can be used to express and implement them. These SBTs constitute a part of threetiered architecture of non-player characters (NPCs) for the open-world computer games. Next, the author introduces his concepts of intelligent environment and smart constructs, which provide a means for the NPCs to interact with the virtual game world. Finally, the author proposes a specific semantic network to represent the relations between numerous entities within the world.


This study marks the first parallel measurements where S-nitrosothiol behaviour is directly correlated to nitric oxide (NO) release for an established polymer system under exposure conditions that are specific to S-nitrosothiol decomposition (i.e. heat, light, pH). These methods are intended to be applied to confirm the NO source in any biomaterial system.


This work investigates the joint replenishment problem (JRP) involving multiple items where economies exist for replenishing several items simultaneously. The demand rate for each item is known and constant. Shortages are not permitted and lead times are negligible. Many heuristic algorithms have been proposed to find quality solutions for the JRP. In this paper, cycle time division and recursive tightening methods are developed to calculate an efficient and optimal replenishment policy for JRP. Two theorems are demonstrated to guarantee that an optimal solution to the problem can be derived using cycle time division and recursive tightening methods. Restated, cycle time division and recursive tightening methods theoretically yield the optimal solution in 100% of instances. The complexity of cycle time division and recursive tightening methods is just O(NlogN), where N represents the number of items involved in the problem. Numerical examples are included to demonstrate the algorithmic procedures.


PP-243, a 5-page illustrated fact sheet by Nigel A. Harrison and Monica L. Elliott, describes this new systemic disease affecting primarily date palms in Florida, the pathogen and hosts, symptoms, diagnostics, and disease management. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Plant Pathology, November 2007.
PP243/PP163: Lethal Bronzing Disease (LBD) (ufl.edu)


Abstract Semi-empirical molecular orbital calculations at the level of AM1 type have been performed on Huckel type monosilacyclacenes having arenoid rings (R) of 2–7. Silicon atom at the peri and fusion points of arenoid rings were separately considered for each case of R.


It is reported that by the use of the derivative atomic absorption spectrometry, the sensitivity of determination of some of the metal elements (Cu、 Mn、 Fe、 Zn、 Cd、 Pb) can be remarkably improved. The optimum condition for the determination was studied thoroughly. The extents of the raising of sensitivities of the above mentioned elements are found to be 20~50 times higher as compared with the conventional FAAS methods. The limits of detection are also much lower, improved to the extent of 5 to 11 times. This method has been applied to the analysis of water with recoveries in the range of 90.0%~110.0%.


This paper analyzes raw and modified silicate absorbents' absorbing capability for humic acid by doing experiments with zeolite,expanded vermiculite,porcelain ceramists,shale ceramists and clay ceramists.The effects of solution pH,the dosage of modified absorbents,temperature and initial humic acid concentration on adsorption capacity of humic acid were observed.The experimental results showed that there are significant differences between zeolite and other absorbents,and the adsorbing capacity in the order were zeolite,expanded vermiculite,clay ceramists,porcelain ceramists and shale ceramists before modification.Through research,the best modifying methods and condition of five absorbents could be drawn: 20 g/L HDTMA—modified zeolite,expanded vermiculite and clay ceramists;25 g/L HDTMA—modified shale ceramists and porcelain ceramists.


Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) topical treatments may have low efficacy, while systemic treatments have adverse effects (AEs) and high cost. Since treatment options for CL nowadays have numerous disadvantages, an alternative topical treatment is vastly needed. We assessed liposomal amphotericin B gel (LAmB gel) treatment efficacy and safety.


The background of this paper is the development of the technology of LRF.Through analysis,it is pointed out that the assembly language programming cannot meet the requirements of development of the technology of LRF.So a new programming language is needed to develop the LRF to improve the efficiency of development.This paper describes the functional characteristics of Keil C language and points out that the Keil C language has powerful functions.Combined with the project practice,the programming skills and important items of Keil C language in LRF programming are introduced.Taking the terminal of LRF as example,which uses Keil C language to develop its software and hardware,the flow chart and advantages of Keil C language are introduced.Finally,the characteristics of LRF adopting Keil C language are summarized,and that the LRF adopting Keil C language is not only viable but also widely usable are pointed out.


The development of a practical, commercial process for the preparation of 4-fluoro-2-methyl-indol-5-ol and its subsequent coupling with a pyrrolotriazine to form an advanced intermediate of the oncology therapy brivanib alaninate is described. A key aspect is the multikilogram-scale preparation of the fluoroindole intermediate from trifluoronitrobenzene and the subsequent coupling while achieving impurity minimalization. As brivanib alaninate is a high-dose drug, the synthesis of high-quality API with low levels of impurities is critical.


We have recently shown that the capillarity-based process for self-assembling particle monolayers on fluid-liquid interfaces can be improved by applying an electric field in the direction normal to the interface. In this paper, we present a technique for freezing monolayers of micron-sized particles onto the surface of a flexible thin film. Micron sized particles do not self-assemble under the action of lateral capillary forces alone since capillary forces among them are small compared to Brownian forces. The technique involves assembling the monolayer on the interface between a UV-curable resin and a fluid which can be air or another fluid by applying an electric field, and then curing the resin by applying UV light. The monolayer becomes embedded on the surface of the solidified resin film.Copyright © 2013 by ASME


Leadership has been a scientific discipline for over 100 years. The magnitude of research has increased tremendously. Many different objects of study related to leadership have been investigated wi ...


An analytical method based on solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography/flame ionization detector (SPME-GC/FID) has been established for the determination of benzene,toluene,ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) in air. Key experimental parameters,such as type of SPME fibers,temperature and desorption time,extraction time and so on,were optimized,and the air-tightness and stability of the sampling bag were also investigated. Good linear ranges were obtained with relative standard deviation (RSD) lower than 4.6%,and detection limits were low to 0.03 ng/mL. The method was simple,sensitive,accurate and rapid,and the sampling bag was suitable for ex-situ analysis of environmental air samples with good air tightness.


HealthPrize Technologies has launched Web-based software that motivates people to adhere to their prescription medication regimens. The program takes a fresh approach to the problem of medication nonadherence: it tracks consumers' medication usage and prescription refills, educates them on the importance of taking medication properly, and rewards them for doing so. According to the New England Healthcare Institute's report "Thinking Outside the Pillbox," nonadherence to prescribed medications is responsible for $290 billion in "otherwise avoidable medical spending" per year. Furthermore, the prescription nonadherence problem is prevalent across all consumer demographics and leads to a significant amount of negative health outcomes. For many people, the promise of improved health and wellness is simply not enough to maintain adherence. By providing financial incentives, education, games, and opportunities for interaction with other users, HealthPrize aims to give patients the motivation they need to take their medications as prescribed and, ultimately, to lead healthier lives. HealthPrize's unique combination of medication tracking and refill verification, coupled with an interactive online program, rewards and educates consumers, increasing both extrinsic and intrinsic motivations to drive greater medication adherence and increase medical literacy. The HealthPrize "Engagement Engine," a Web-based software solution, borrows concepts from behavioral economics, neuroscience, consumer marketing, gaming, and psychology that have proven track records outside of health care to motivate consumer behavior, user engagement, and increased adherence. As a result, HealthPrize has developed its system to provide users with tangible benefits that accrue as users engage the system and take their medications more frequently. Benefits include awards points (similar to a credit card or airline mileage loyalty program), chances to win sweepstakes, and monthly competitions. The HealthPrize system is designed to engage newly diagnosed patients as well as patients who already take medication, but may do so on an irregular basis. Given the program's focus on financial incentives and fun, it is more likely than traditional programs to encourage use by patients who have typically failed to opt-in to adherence initiatives. The company believes its program is uniquely positioned to have a greater impact on nonadherence over the long term compared with other programs, and that in the treatment of chronic medical conditions, only long-term behavior change will make a significant difference in reducing medical cost.


In the previous paper of this series, cytogenetic studies of tetraploid and hexaploid interspecific hybrids between five Japanese, two Nepalese and one American species were reported (Sakamoto and Muramatsu 1966). In the present paper the results of the investigation of pentaploid hybrids between Japanese tetraploid Ag. ciliare, Ag, gmelini and Ag. yezoense, Nepalese tetraploid Ag, gmelini and Ag, semicostatum and Japanese hexaploid Ag. humidum2> and Ag, tsukushiense are presented. Genome structure and differentiation in Japanese and Nepalese Agropyron species are also discussed.


This paper examines the relationship between asset correlation and distance to default (as a proxy for probability of default) assumed in the internal ratings-based (IRB) approach of the Basel II accord on regulatory capital requirement. Using data of non-financial companies listed in Tehran stock exchange during 1388 to 1397, we show that Basel II accord (Basel, 2006) assumption on a negative relationship between asset correlation and probability of default is confirmed among TSE listed companies. Results also confirm time varying and cyclical nature of the co-variation of these two variables. Moreover, the general assumption underlying Basel II that leads to size adjustment and different equations for determining asset correlation for corporates, SMEs, and retail debtors is also consistent with the general pattern of the relationship between asset correlation and probability of default among these three categories in Iranian companies.


This paper presents a political economy model of international trade in which import-competing and export industries seek favorable trade policies from the government. The trade setting is a small open economy model where the import-competing and the export industries use two factors: mobile labour, immobile sunk capital and non-sunk capital which is mobile across the two industries in the long run. Equilibrium domestic prices are determined by political interactions of an incumbent government and interest groups representing the two industries. The paper shows how the direction of relocation of non-sunk capital and the resulting equilibrium industry sizes (composition) are determined. Government preferences over different industry compositions are also derived. Combining the direction of relocation, the equilibrium industry composition and the government preferences, the paper presents cases where a government faces incentives to favour either an import-competing industry or an export industry.


Leishmaniasis can take on two main clinical forms: visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (LC). In urban areas, the dog participates as a reservoir of Leishmania infantum (causing LV) and, because of this, is the target of the disease control strategies. These animals can also be found naturally infected by the species that lead to the development of LC. Although these infections are rare, some findings in the literature have opened the question about the role of these animals in the biological cycle of these species and their infective potential. Thus, it becomes important the molecular characterization and evaluation of the infective behavior of these parasites. The present study aimed to identify the species of two wild strains isolated from dogs from the city of Uberlândia (MG), as well as the evaluation of their in vitro behavior and infectivity to canine macrophages of commercial lineage and BALB / c mice. To this end, the amplification products of the ITS1 and hsp70 targets of Leishmania spp. were subjected to enzyme restriction (PCR-RFLP). The in vitro proliferation profile was established by the growth curve, with UDI-1 and UDI-2 being compared to two reference strains, Ba199 (MHOM/BR/1989/Ba199 L. amazonensis) and BH401 (MCAN/BR/2002/BH401 L. infantum). In vitro infectivity experiments were performed using macrophages (DH82), as well as promastigotes of stationary phase and axenic amastigotes of wild and reference strains. In vivo evaluation of the infection was verified by analyzing the parasite load in the liver, spleen and lesions of mice infected with the four parasite strains (UDI-1, UDI-2, Ba199, BH401). In addition, the infection kinetics were verified by weight monitoring, lesion size and behavior. The results of PCR-RFLP showed that UDI-1 presented a profile of pairs of bands similar to L. amazonensis and UDI-2 to L. infantum. The in vitro behavior differed between UDI-2 and BH401, being similar between UDI-1 and Ba199. Stationary phase promastigotes of UDI-1 showed the highest infectivity capacity compared to the other strains, and when using axenic amastigote forms, BH401 was the strain with the highest infectivity index. In both cases, UDI2 showed the lowest infectivity in vitro. In vivo, UDI-1 induced lesions more rapidly (three weeks) and had a higher mean parasitic load on lesion and liver compared to Ba199. The metastatic phenotype was verified, with consequent visceralization of UDI-1. In contrast, the mean values of the parasitic load of UDI-2 were lower than those of BH401 in the evaluated tissues (liver and spleen). No behavioral changes and no natural gain were observed. Together, these data show that among the wild strains, UDI-1 shows the best infectivity capacity in vitro and in vivo, and UDI-2 exhibited the least infective phenotype. In addition, this is the first report on the natural infection of a dog with L. amazonensis in the Triângulo Mineiro (MG) region.


A compact tag antenna, which has a geometrical dimension of 31.5 mm × 31.5 mm × 3.2 mm, is constructed using a stacked PILA for metal-mountable applications in the UHF RFID passband. The new antenna is formed by inserting a shorted patch into a PILA structure to create a double-layered inverted antenna, which can be viewed as a cascade of two parallel resonant tanks. An increase in electric field intensity in the antenna structure has brought in sufficient capacitance for reducing the tag resonant frequency effectively to the useful UHF RFID passband. Due to the increase in the antenna reactance, conjugate impedance matching can be easily achieved between the antenna and the microchip. Fine-tuning schemes such as stubs and slits are also incorporated with the proposed tag antenna for adjusting the operating frequency to an exact precision. Measurements show that the proposed tag antenna can achieve a read distance of 7.25 m at an EIRP power of 4 W. The resonance of the proposed tag antenna is found to be very stable and it is insensitive to changes in the backing metal platform.


In this paper, we report the developments of a Computational Thinking Acquisition project carried out in pilot Brazilian schools. The project is a branch of a successful, more than a decade old project in the USA. We present and discuss the factors that led to specific cultural appropriation and diversification of the North American experience. In particular, we explain the kind of technology that has been developed in South America compared to the one developed and used in the USA, and propose that the lessons we have learned in the project's short history in Brazil can already seed the reflection of IT and Education researchers.


Student Congressman James W. Borges '69 has raised an objection to the b i l l passed by the Student Congress last week which provides that the administration assume ful l financial responsibility for class rings. Mr. Borges, who was one of tlree congressmen who voted ajainst the b i l l , said that "I ar i sort of questioning the comm >n understanding of the eontr ct that was presented at the m eting, in that it involves the Di cessity for any class moderate • to sign any such contract. T is was misunderstood." I He was referring to a statein nt which was made by Rev. F ancis Duffy, O.P., Administrati e Assistant, at the last Studt nt Congress meeting. F r . D iffy stated that if the students thimsulves handle the rings, then someone over 21 wi l l have to sign the contract and assume full financial responsibility.


A method for vibrating a nanocantilever may yield much more sensitive measurement tools and computers based on mechanical logic devices.


The USDA Forest Service aims to use satellite imagery for monitoring and predicting changes in forest conditions over time within the country. We specifically focus on a 230, 400 hectares region in north-central Wisconsin between 2003 2012. The auxiliary data collected from the satellite imagery of this region are relatively dense in space and time and can be used to efficiently predict how the forest condition changed over that decade. However, these records have a significant proportion of missing values due to weather conditions and system failures. To fill in these missing values, we build spatiotemporal models based on fixed effect periodic patterns, spatial random effects with conditional autoregressive prior and a firstorder autoregressive temporal effect. Multiple validation and comparison diagnostics are run to identify the best performing model for each of the auxiliary variables as well as for basal area. Findings from our analysis are represented with a series of maps followed by a discussion of their agreement with known spatial patterns across the landscape. Acknowledgements First I would like to thank my thesis advisors Dr. Avishek Chakraborty and Dr. Giovanni Petris of the Department of Mathematical Sciences at University of Arkansas for their continuous guidance throughout my thesis work. Besides, I would like to thank my thesis committee member Dr. Tipton for his meaningful comments. I would also like to acknowledge Dr. Barry T. Wilson, USDA Forest Service, for providing the satellite data used in this thesis work. I sincerely acknowledge continuous support from the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station (15-JV-11242305-104) for conducting my thesis research. I utilized computational resources from the Arkansas High Performance Computing Center which is funded through multiple National Science Foundation grants and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. Finally, I would like to thank my family for their continuous support. List of Abbreviations N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Univariate Normal distribution Nk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . k-variate Normal distribution IG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inverse-Gamma distribution In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . n× n identity matrix 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Column vector of all zeros with dimension as appropriate for the context 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Column vector of all ones with dimension as appropriate for the context |A| . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Number of elements inside the set A


In the paper, we consider a single-machine scheduling problem with generalized due dates, in which the objective is to minimize total weighted work. This problem was proven to be NP-hard by Mosheiov et al. [1]. However, the exact complexity remains open. We show that the problem is strongly NP-hard, and is weakly NP-hard if the lengths of the intervals between the consecutive due dates are identical.


The present invention relates to a memory card connector and a manufacturing method of the memory card connector. The object of the invention is to realize miniaturization and saving of installation space following the miniaturization of the inserted memory card. A connector body composed of a housing and a shielding cover inserting the memory card through a card insertion mouth, has a card detecting switch for detecting the memory card inserted into the connector body. The card detecting switch has a first terminal and a second terminal configured on the connector body, the second terminal is configured in a state of pushing the first terminal in the thickness direction of the memory card and contacting with the first terminal, and is deviated from the first terminal to elastically deform by the insertion of a memory card, so that the inserting of a memory card into the connector is detected by disconnecting of the second terminal away from the first terminal.


An acrylic epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) has been used in this study. The synthesis of the acrylic resin has been made from acrylic acid which breaks the epoxy groups of the ESO (epoxidized soybean oil). This material can be obtained thermosetting polymers suitable for use as a matrix in "green composites. The aim of this work is to develop some AESO-styrene mixtures in order to evaluate the influence of the AESO-styrene ratio in the curing process and also it is desired to obtain the resins characteristics.


ABSTRACT High growth companies face many challenges, encompassing the numerous demands of new product innovation, market shares and customer satisfaction. This paper studied the hypothesis that, due to time and resource constraints, high growth companies will find it exigent to formulate and disseminate an elaborate, structured policy of corporate governance. To test this hypothesis, a corporate governance scoring system was developed and computed for 500 firms, based on the guidelines of accountability, responsibility, internal controls, and audit procedures. A life cycle analysis was also performed to identify differences in corporate governance characteristics of "initial growth" and "revival" firms, since both groups face the same challenges of dealing with increasing sales, customers, products and innovation. The results indicate that initial growth firms had lower corporate governance scores when compared to other firms. Revival firms showed higher scores, indicating that a well developed system of corporate governance added a much needed synergy for growth. Finally, a regression analysis indicated that certain fundamental characteristics such as Board development and Audit Committee role were equally well -detailed for growth and revival firms, but other corporate governance features such as ethics policy, shareholder value, reporting transparency and corporate citizenship were much better elaborated for revival firms. INTRODUCTION Within the intricate complexities of the business world, corporate governance is defined as a mechanism to maximize firm value. Empirical research over the past decade has shown a causal relationship between governance and market value. This evidence comes from both single-country studies (Black, 2001 on Russia; Black, Jang and Kim, 2006 on Korea; Gompers, Ishii and Metrick, 2003 on the U.S.) and multi-country studies (Durnev and Kim, 2005; Klapper and Love, 2004). The advantages of corporate governance have been well documented. Good governance systems lead to better access to capital, improved performance, and reduction of risk. However, implementing effective governance systems also comes at a cost. Technology constraints, lack of financial and business understanding of the system, and the cost of implementing and communicating corporate governance policies throughout the organization are crucial barriers which many firms, especially small ones face. In today's high risk, high growth economy, companies need to set a strong strategic course and have the capability to survive in the fiercely competitive environment. Rapid growth firms have many challenges to face, starting from cash flows, human resources, product quality, imminent deadlines and customer satisfaction. Once a successful working environment is established, a welloiled system of corporate governance will be highly rewarding. However, in the growth phase of a company's life cycle, the tendency of management will be to focus resources on revenue increase, and the value chain that links vendors and customers through their organizations. This paper studies the relationship between firm growth, life cycle stages and corporate governance characteristics. The rest of the paper is organized as follows: an explanation of the concepts of growth and corporate governance, and their interrelationships, development of the hypothesis, description of the methodology for measuring growth, life cycle stage and corporate governance scores, the statistical tests used, and the results. GROWTH COMPANIES AND THEIR STRATEGIES The organization life cycle model suggests that a company moves through a predictable sequence of developmental stages over its life time. These stages are sequential in nature, and are not easily reversible. Each stage can be clearly demarcated and involve a broad range of organizational activities and structures. There are a number of models describing the life cycle of a company, but most models divide the life of a company into the following five stages: Start - up: This is the initial stage where a business organization is formed, funds are raised, and a business plan is written. …


Morphological characteristics,utilization value and protective measures of Chinese yew were elaborated.The paper mainly discussed the breeding of Chinese yew,provided cultivation techniques,afforestation methods and maintenance knowledge of Chinese yew for garden enthusiasts and technicians.We hoped it could provide some evidence for the protection,development and utilization of Chinese yew for Wugongshan areas in Jiangxi.


This essay is a discussion of how fiction can be used in teaching English as a second language to promote gender equality. The novels arePride and PrejudiceandNeverwhere. Firstly, the term gender i ...


Whilst the nature of infant mental health has long been regarded as significant, it is only in more recent years the phenomenon of Parent-Infant Psychotherapy has developed, is receiving attention, and is in receipt of significant financial input and governmental support. This qualitative research sought through investigation to journey to the heart of contemporary Parent-Infant Psychotherapy (PIP) and in doing so uncover current practice in PIP from the perspective of those working in the field of PIP. Semi-structured interviews with four PIP Clinicians were conducted via online face-to-face interviews and the research was evaluated using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Five superordinate themes were identified 1) Preventative work seen as key to PIP 2) The type of model of practice is variable, leaning toward an integrative model with relational, ethical practice is seen as paramount 3) Compassionate and non-judgmental practice is deemed essential 4) Observational skills from all involved in infant, maternal and paternal healthcare are seen as vital 5) Individual parental attunement seen as key to good practice. Twelve subordinate themes were identified they are further noted and briefly explored. Parent-Infant Psychotherapy has been defined as clinical work undertaken by qualified clinicians with women (and in more recent years men) during and post pregnancy: mothers and their infants, parents and their infants, and fathers and their infants in order to provide support to achieve an optimal relationship between primary caregiver(s) and infant to provide a solid emotional foundation for the future mental health of the infant. The clinicians involved in the study are highly qualified in the fields of psychotherapy, psychology, and infant mental health. Some of the participants involved have completed their own research in the field and others are involved in writing substantially about their findings. Some are involved in teaching and sharing their findings with both clinicians and families. The findings demonstrate the significance of the experience of working in PIP and all concerned recognise the importance of such early clinical work. The findings also identify potential discourse with regard to contemporary training, service provision and practice. These findings deliberate propositions for clinical practice and may support the field of PIP to find the courage to revisit all areas of PIP training and practice in support of all families PIP clinicians are honoured to serve. They further support existing research, but also may provide a framework for a contemporary and new paradigm of a 'right-brain to right-brain' embodied therapeutic model in the field of PIP. This foundational study will provide further opportunities for additional research.


High fidelity computational models are developed to study the nonlinear structural dynamics of a plunging membrane airfoil, which is based upon previous experimental work. Two airfoil structures are investigated: a one-dimensional string and a three-dimensional Feeler gauge. Time-periodic flapping is assumed for both cases. The nonlinear equations of motion are semi-discretized in space using the finite element method, and then discretized in time using both a high dimensional harmonic balance approach and a standard finite differencing scheme. Solutions for both time-discretization methods are compared. For weak to moderately nonlinear string problems, the harmonic balance solution compares favorably with the finite difference solution, and is two to three orders of magnitude faster to compute. When the string exhibits stronger nonlinear behavior, the harmonic balance method yields results that diverge from the true solution when multiple harmonics are used. This is likely due to the presence of multiple subharmonics in the frequency response curve. The Feeler gauge problem is investigated to explore the possibility of unstable planar motion and chaotic vibrations during plunging. While the spectral contents of the response contain multiple frequencies, neither unstable planar dynamics nor chaotic vibrations were encountered within the range of parameters tested. Further investigation is needed to determine whether such a response is possible for the current model.


To the Editor, We have read the article "Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19): A retrospective cohort study" by Li et al. It was felicitous to go through this article, and we hereby applaud the author's efforts. We recognize the conclusion of the study that extracorporeal membrane oxygenation tends to minimize mortality in extremely ill COVID‐19 patients compared to the conventional approach. But despite that, it would be a privilege to subjoin a few points to enhance the discovery of the study. First, conducting a single‐centered study raises concerns regarding its validity, which could be addressed if authors had considered a multicentred study, explaining different races, socioeconomic statuses, and lifestyles. Moreover, a retrospective approach tends to minimize the authenticity of the study results. For example, a multidimensional and prospective study conducted in the United States in 2021 collected data from 20 different hospitals, resulting in significant findings. Second, their study included a limited number of patient‐related variables, which could have drawn out various concerns in the study findings. By way of illustration, a study conducted in 2020 included several other patient characteristics, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, which had a significant impact on patient health. The author should also have added other basic laboratory tests that could have given a much better picture of patient health at the time of inclusion. A study conducted in 2020 included various laboratory studies, such as D‐dimer, and determined the important impact on the patient's prognosis. The study should also have included hybrid ECMO strategies as hemodynamic support in addition to venous‐arterial and venous ECMO. For instance, a study conducted in 2020 found that patients initially receiving venous support from ECMO can be treated with hybrid strategies if they develop complications such as myocarditis and thrombotic events. Finally, more studies should be carried out on critically ill COVID‐19 patients based on different ages, ethnicity, and comorbidities as it has caused an increase in morbidity and mortality of the patients. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The authors declare no conflicts of interest.


Cowpea is a drought tolerant food legume but yields are generally low in South Africa due to non-availability of improved varieties. The current study was undertaken to evaluate agronomic performance of cowpea germplasm and select the candidate accessions for breeding population and cultivation by small-scale farmers in South Africa. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used for the experiment. Data were collected on the agronomic traits including days to 50% maturity, days to 95% maturity, hundred seed weight, leaf area index, number of branches, number of internodes, number of seeds per plant, plant height, number of pods per plant, pod length, dry biomass weight per plant, grain yield per plant and grain yield per hectare. Highly significant differences were observed among the accessions for all traits. The grain yield per hectare was correlated positively and significantly with number of pods per plant and grain yield per plant showing a scope for simultaneous improvement of yield and yield related traits. Principal Component biplot revealed that accessions Acc2024, Acc5352, Acc2355, Acc4565, Glenda and L-cwp3 were the most genetically distinct accessions and can serve as potential candidate parental lines for hybridization to achieving transgressive segregation population in breeding programmes.


Ideological and political course teachers play a leading role in guiding the cultivation of applied talents in application-oriented university. Ideological and political teachers are the leaders of ideology, so the accurate evaluation of Ideological and political teachers play an important role in carrying out the ideological work of the Party and the country. There is something wrong with the evaluation system of application-oriented University about the ideological and political course teachers, such as it focuses more on quantities than qualitative evaluation, more emphasis on one-sided evaluation but lack of comprehensive evaluation, and pay more attention to evaluation over feedback, etc. In the article, the evaluation system of ideological and political course teachers in application-oriented university was built by parallel the quantitative evaluation and qualitative evaluation, set up the reasonable evaluation index to evaluate comprehensively, and parallel the evaluation and feedback.


In 2004, the medical device agency advised that nasogastric tube (NGT) position should be confirmed using pH sticks or papers. However, pH strips and sticks have limited evidence for validity or reliability. This study determines nurses' accuracy in assessing pH of a series of solutions using pH strips. Particularly, the identification of pH 5.5 or 6 in accordance with the thresholds used in current national guidance on identifying NGT position. Nine buffered solutions of pH 3–7 rising in 0.5 increments were produced by the biochemistry department and randomly assigned to 1 of 34 pots. Half of the sample had a pH £ 5.5 with double blinding to both participants and researcher. Ten nurses were asked to measure and record the pH of the solutions using a Merck 2–9 strip. Nurses were incorrect in 30% of pH measurements. At pH 6, 12% of the sample were identified as having a pH 5.5. The reliability and validity of the strip was good as confirmed by KAPPA; however, specificity and sensitivity was poor at pH 6 (64.7%) but better at pH 5.5 (88%), as determined by a receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. In this study, use of pH sticks to determine a pH threshold of 5.5 means 12% of pH 6 measurements will be misclassified as gastric when they could be respiratory. Adoption of a gastric pH threshold of £ 5.0 would have prevented any theoretically mal-positioned tubes being used.


Abstract This paper studies for a number field K and a finite group Γ the cokernel of the residue homomorphism .


River drying is increasing in frequency, duration, and extent in the United States, especially across the Sunbelt where drought has become the new norm (Fig. 1). Exceptional droughts and climate change are one cause of drying—surface water is scarcer and that trend is not changing (1⇓⇓–4). Increasing human appropriation of groundwater—especially during drought—is another cause (5, 6). River drying has clear implications for freshwater biodiversity, including mass mortality of commercially important fish if large reaches of a river dry completely (7). A much more subtle, but equally detrimental, impact of drying is habitat fragmentation, which can increase the risk of extinction from other causes (8, 9); however, data availability and a methodological void have left this critical issue unaddressed until now. In PNAS, Jaeger et al. (10) fill this void by integrating cutting edge and empirically grounded ecology with a tried-and-true surface water model that is in turn forced with forecasted and downscaled climate data. The authors use this intriguing model mashup to forecast network connectivity of flowing reaches in a desert river in Arizona at fine spatial scales. They then use this set of "blue lines" to forecast the persistence of the river's native fish populations. Their conclusions are dire: decreasing persistence of an endemic fauna. On the bright side, the mashup has real potential to be applied to address similar management problems in other basins.

Fig. 1.
( Upper ) Mean (solid) and 95% CI (dashed) number of zero flow days for 23 stream gages across the US Sunbelt from the USGS National Water Information System (NWIS). Data cover a spatial extent that includes the states of Georgia, Florida, Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. ( Lower ) Mean (solid) and CI (dashed) number of days (per year) below the 40-y average (dotted black reference line) for 94 …

[↵][1]1Email: john.l.sabo{at}asu.edu.

 [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1


Thionine multilayer films deposited on Pt and Sn-doped In2O3 electrodes at oxidizing potentials display electrochemical activity similar to that of free thionine; the film thickness may be measured from cyclic voltammetry of the surface-bound redox centres. Attenuation by the thionine films of substrate core photoemission in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is shown to conform to a Beer–Lambert law. Electron mean free paths in the films for different electron kinetic energies have been measured and found to be in reasonable agreement with theoretical predictions. This agreement may be contrasted with pathlengths measured in Langmuir–Blodgett films, which are considerably larger than those predicted by theory.


Technology, government mandates, or regulations simply will not, by themselves, build this new industry. This lesson was learned through many failed attempts to commercialize electric vehicles in the past. Rather, it is through the actions of a few unique and powerful leaders across a diverse set of entities that this industry is being built. Therefore, understanding the emergence of this industry requires a glimpse into the minds of the people who are leading it. At this unique point in history we are witnessing the convergence of four powerful "E" forces: environment, energy, economy, and education. These forces are providing the motive power for the birth of an electric vehicle industry. Contents of this book include: Part 1: On a Clear Day You Can See the E-motive industry - explains the challenge to reshape our transportation system. Part 2: Superstructures: The Strategy of Incremental Change - offers perspectives from the mainstream automotive industry. Part 3: E-structures: A Strategy for Innovative Change - offers perspectives from entrepreneurial companies working to bring electric vehicles to the marketplace.


In this study, the perturbation approach for predicting material's forming limit strains under non-associated flow rule (non-AFR) is proposed. The influence of yield function and plastic potential function on the forming limit curve (FLC) evaluated by the perturbation approach are discussed through analyzing the normalized growth rate of a perturbation. In the framework of non-AFR, Hill'48 and Yld2000-2d are chosen for AA5754-O. The results show that the left side of FLCs predicted with the different forms of yield function and plastic potential nearly overlap. Hence, it is concluded that the yield function and plastic potential have a negligible influence on the forming limit strain under a negative strain path. However, the FLC under a positive strain path is principally dependent on the relationship between strain ratio β and stress ratio α, which can be determined by the plastic potential. Additionally, in comparison to the FLC under AFR, an increase in the forming limits strain is observed near the plain strain region, when the derivative of the normalized yield function concerning α is positive and vice versa.


French homogenized sunshine-duration long-term series. Prior to have long-term sunshine-duration series, data rescue effort has to be engaged. Eighteen series have been homogenized over the period 1931–2000. These series complete the set of diagnoses on climate change at a regional scale, confirm part of the diagnosis established for the temperatures, and offer new tracks for the mechanisms of climate change. To cite this article: J.-M. Moisselin, C. Canellas, C. R. Geoscience 337 (2005).  2005 Academie des sciences. Publie par Elsevier SAS. Tous droits reserves.